The News section of The Cruise News Middle East delivers fast, verified reporting on global cruise developments with direct relevance to the GCC and wider MENA region. From fleet expansions to deployment shifts and commercial updates, we focus on what matters for travel professionals and informed cruisers.
Seabourn has launched its Explore Beyond Event, offering up to $2,000 USD in shipboard credit per suite on selected 2026–2029 sailings, with new bookings available through 16 November 2026.
Cordelia Cruises has shared a behind-the-scenes look at Cordelia Sky’s floating drydock, where hull cleaning, painting and other preparations are underway ahead of the ship’s scheduled entry into service in India this October.
Virgin Voyages has reached two million Sailors, extending Sailing Club benefits through 2028 and reopening Status Match applications for eligible travellers from 24 September to 31 October 2026.
Explora Journeys plans to enter river cruising after signing a Letter of Intent with Dutch shipbuilder Den Breejen Shipyard for its first luxury river ships, with sales planned to open in 2027.
VIVA Cruises has unveiled its 2028 VIVA Boutique programme, featuring a Champagne Seine cruise, Gourmet Cruises in France and northern Italy, plus a new Verona extension with an included opera evening at the Arena di Verona.
Cruise Master concluded ATM 2026 with seven cruise line partners, reporting strong travel trade engagement and early signs of demand for summer 2027 as it prepares for an earlier regional booking window next year season.
The keel for Four Seasons II has been laid at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, marking the start of dry-dock construction for the 34,000-gross-tonne, 79-suite yacht ahead of its planned debut in 2028.
Royal Caribbean Group has agreed to acquire a 50% equity interest in Sandals and Beaches Resorts for approximately $3 billion, forming a joint venture that will expand its vacation portfolio into all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.
Celestyal has launched 190 shore excursions across its new winter Mediterranean programmes, including 118 experiences for Celestyal Discovery and 72 for Celestyal Journey, alongside new Authentic Encounters and Community Connections options.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has revealed 129 itineraries for 2029, spanning Hawaii, Oceania, the Americas, polar regions, the Amazon and the Northwest Passage aboard five ships.
